How did you become interested in cycling? When I was younger my father did a bit of touring and encouraged me to come along. Being a clumsy tomboy and daddy’s girl, I followed suit and found a little grace and solace on two wheels. It wasn’t until after high school I became somewhat serious. Today I can’t imagine my life without cycling.
What got you interested in racing? I took a year off from Chicago and Courier work to move to Davenport, Iowa. There I attended college and worked in a local bike shop called “On Two Wheels.” Jeff, the owner and a former USA 7-11 team cyclist, taught me about mechanics and racing. I was encouraged to purchase a road bike so I could join the group training rides on Thursdays and Sundays. I gained so much respect for the sport and decided it was something I needed to be a part of.
What is the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew to you? It represents a responsibility to a collective, based on an unspoken understanding of what it takes to be part of something great. To “shush” the naysayers, proving that bike messengers are not simply Scum on Wheels. A healthy love and perhaps obsession with the sport and job we share. A product of our hard work earned Monday through Friday. It’s a small cycling team with a soul. CCC is a renewal and fresh start in Chicago for yours truly. Amen.